Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by the corynebacterium diphtheria bacillus. The disease affects the oropharynx, throat, bronchi, skin and other organs. The method of infection is airborne during a conversation with a patient, when coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact and household contact. Diphtheria causes the following complications: myocarditis and paralysis of the respiratory muscles of the larynx, neck, and vocal cords. Paralysis of breathing can lead to death.
Treatment of diphtheria - use of anti-toxic anti-diphtheria serum, antibacterial and detoxification therapy. For the treatment to be effective, it should be started in the first hours after infection.
Prevention of diphtheria - vaccination of children and adults, as well as compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (frequent hand washing, wiping of household and stationery items, ventilation, wet cleaning).
The incubation period of the disease is 2-7 days, after which the following symptoms appear:
To diagnose diphtheria, a laboratory examination of a swab from the throat and nose is carried out.